Kennedi Aniyah Flora Jones, a 19-year-old woman from Charlotte, North Carolina, tragically lost her life on December 25, 2024. The incident occurred late at night when officers responded to a call regarding a motor vehicle crash with injuries in the 4800 block of Shamrock Drive. Upon arrival, authorities discovered a vehicle down an embankment near the road. Inside, they found Jones suffering from life-threatening injuries.
Emergency medical personnel transported her to Atrium Main hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased due to her injuries.
Following an extensive investigation, detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Homicide Unit determined that Jones' death was not merely the result of a crash but was linked to a violent crime. Authorities identified three suspects in connection with her death. On December 31, 2024, police arrested 21-year-old Dreshon Moreno, charging him with murder and conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon. Shortly thereafter, on January 7, 2025, 24-year-old James Ashely Mason was taken into custody and charged with murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon. Both Moreno and Mason were transferred to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation continued, and on January 28, 2025, authorities arrested 18-year-old Zion Lamont Jennings in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Jennings was charged with murder, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon. His arrest was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Winston-Salem Police Department, Winston-Salem Gang Unit, Winston-Salem Violent Crime Apprehension Team and CMPD VCAT. Jennings was subsequently transferred into the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office.
Jones' next of kin were notified of these arrests, and the investigation remains active. Law enforcement officials continue to seek additional information regarding the case. Anyone with relevant details is encouraged to contact CMPD’s Homicide Unit or provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.
